Michella Scicluna is the creative mum behind @the_wandering_four, an Instagram account full of amazing and inspiring travel content from destinations near and far. Together with their two kids, Michella and her husband love exploring and experiencing new places – their itineraries are immersive and a celebration of different cultures, customs and traditions.
We loved chatting with Michella! She talked about her family’s recent trip to Iran, as well as shared helpful tips on long-haul travel and how to cope with unexpected illnesses while on holiday.
Check out our interview below!
Influencer Interviews
1. How old are your kids?
Ninu is 10 and Lucija is 8.
2. When and where was the last time you travelled with them?
The last place we travelled with them was Iran in Easter.
3. What was that experience like?
An unforgettable one. We were completely blown away with its beauty and diversity. I can truly say that it was a life changing experience
4. Where do you plan to go next?
Our next holiday is in July and it will be a long one as we plan to travel for six weeks. With regards to destination we are keeping it a surprise.
5. What’s it like travelling with kids in general? Have you adapted anything on your trips to suit them?
Travelling with your children regardless of their age is a beautiful experience but not without its challenges. Having said that, those very challenges are what make our trips unforgettable. Both us parents and children learn to adapt. For example we plan our long haul trips in summer so Ninu and Lucija don’t miss too much of school. We choose accommodation where we know our kids can have a great time.
6. What are your kids favourite travelling snacks?
Well they are polar opposite and both have healthy appetites. It ranges from a multitude of things like BEAR fruit treats, crisps, crackers and raisins.
7. Do you prefer to travel by train, plane or boat?
We have no preferred method, as most of our chosen destinations require us to use all of them to get where we want to. Plus we take all opportunities to expose them to many different modes of transportation. In Iran, Ninu and Lucija got to properly experience the train, when we had a 10 hour train ride from Tehran to Dorud. They loved every minute of it
8. What’s your ideal family vacation?
Hmmm this is a tough one. I think it would have to have a bit of everything. We are not ones to laze around a pool all day for an entire holiday. So it would have to be one where there is a balance. One where we can challenge our inner rebels yet a place where we could rest our bodies at the end of the day. Personally a beach and nature holiday has that perfect balance
9. With young kids, do you prefer early morning flight or late night flights?
Definitely late at night. There is nothing more frantic than having two children full of excitement and energy on a flight, even more so if it’s a long haul flight. In fact when we travel long haul we always travel at night that way Ninu and Lucija sleep in their usual sleep patterns.
10. Any travel tips you swear by?
Travel at night. Travel with a neck pillow. Don’t over pack. Carry plenty of snacks
11. Travel gadget your kids love?
Their tablets and the Nintendo that they share.
12. How do you cope with illness on holiday
I love travelling with my medicine box. It has everything from Calpol to antibiotics. I try to include everything in it. Many times both Ninu and Lucija were sick on our trips and twice they had to be admitted to hospital. Despite that on both occasions they were very well looked after. The reality is, children get sick often, that also includes on holiday. Be prepared with all your necessary medicine. A tip we have learnt throughout our travels is to check nearby hospitals, clinics and pharmacies once we arrive at a new destination. This always gives us peace of mind.
13. Do you have basics you always put in your medicine kit.
I never take risks and I always carry a full medicine kit with me. I’d rather carry one less pair of shoes then end up needing a particular medicine and not have it.
A little about Iran:
How do you teach children to adapt to a new culture/climate?
We prepare beforehand by watching documentaries on YouTube together, reading books and even by learning a few greetings in the language of the country we will be visiting. We also love showing them on maps where in the world the country is. This way they get to have a better grasp of how far or near the place is. Since they were little we have always explained to them that each country has its own customs and way of life and being on holiday in that particular country means we have to respect those very customs. This was particularly evident on our last trip In Iran, where I had to wear a hijab for the entirety of the trip.
You moved around a lot, how did they adapt?
By now Ninu and Lucija are used to long journeys, having said that we have always chosen ways that make them feel more comfortable. For example in Iran we travelled by train to a particular destination for 10 hours. We opted to stay in a cabin. Each person had their own bed. This made life a lot easier. When possible we always try to choose car rides over bus rides as this gives us more freedom and flexibility to stop as we please. When we had long drives of 5 or 6 hours, we made frequent stops and made sure we were stocked up on snacks and activities. We also drove in the afternoons after spending the mornings out as this gave them the opportunity to sleep.
How inspirational, Michella, thanks for sharing your adventures on @the_wandering_four! We’re excited to see where the next trip takes you – and to virtually tag along and swoon at all the amazing places you explore as a family!
Shop this trip
Destination: Iran
Travel Gear: Travel Neck Pillow
Travel Gear: Travel Medicine Bag
Travel Gadget: Nintendo
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